Conte to stay despite defeat at Watford

Antonio Conte will not be sacked as Chelsea manager in the wake of Monday night’s 4-1 defeat at Watford.

His position was not discussed after the match, since when he has given his players three days off.

Probable reasons could point to the fact that Chelsea remain in the top four, and are still in the Champions League and FA Cup, as reason not to make a change at the present time.

The defending champions are now fourth in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders Manchester City.

Chelsea have had a disappointing run of just two wins in 10 games during 2018 so far, and in particular suffering successive three-goal defeats in the Premier League for the first time since 1995.

Chelsea would entertain West Brom in the Premier League next Monday and Championship side Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round on 16 February before a run of games that includes two European ties against Barcelona, a trip to Manchester United and a visit to league leaders Manchester City.